W. Hackney, Retired Navy Master Chief

Retired Navy Master Chief William Harris Hackney of Plantation died Monday at age 61.

Mr. Hackney served in the Navy for 20 years and fought in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

He was born in Leesburg, but moved to Fort Lauderdale with his family when he was 8. He was graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School, where he played drums in the school band.

Mr. Hackney returned to Broward County to live in Plantation 12 years ago after finishing his career in the military.

After leaving the Navy, he worked for Sears department store in Fort Lauderdale for more than 10 years.

A lover of tropical birds and flowers, Mr. Hackney was a member of both the Fort Lauderdale and Plantation orchid societies.

``He loved animals and nature,`` said his sister, Marthan Moore. ``He was a very loving man. Anyone who came in contact with him just loved him.``

Mr. Hackney is survived by his mother, Martha Hackney; two brothers, Herbert Jr. and Robert David; and three sisters, Helen Gebert, Marthan Moore and Sara Horn. All of the survivors are from Fort Lauderdale.

Services will be at 5 p.m. Thursday at the T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home.